The Rambler

Safe Backcountry Ski Travel Techniques:
(Copied from the Utah Avalanche Center web site: www.avalanche.org)
One at a time. There always needs to be someone left in a safe spot to do the rescue. Never put everyone on
the slope at once. With large groups, split them in half and stay in visual and voice contact.
Have an escape route planned. Always think avalanche. What will you do if you trigger an avalanche?
Have a plan first.
Use slope cuts. Keep your speed up and cut across the starting zone, so that if you do trigger an avalanche,
your momentum can carry you off the moving slab into safer terrain. You can do this on skis, snowboards
or on snowmobiles.
Watch out for cornices. They always break farther back than you think. Always give them a wide berth.
NEVER, NEVER walk out to the edge of a drop-off without first checking it out. Many people have needlessly
died this way.
What are the alternatives? Use terrain to your advantage. Follow ridges, thick trees and slopes with safer
consequences. You can almost always go back the way you came. The route got you there, it will most
likely get you back as well.
If there’s no other choice, go underground. You can almost always weather out a bad storm or bad avalanche
conditions by digging a snow cave in a protected area. You may be uncomfortable but you will be
alive.
Suggested Backcountry Gear
Equipment for backcountry skiing or snowboarding that you should have
and know how to use.
•Randonee skis, telemark skis or split snowboard
and appropriate boots (or snowshoes)
•Skins
•Poles
•Transceiver (avalanche beacon)
•Collapsible Shovel
•Probe
•Fleece or liner glove for skinning
•2 Pairs of waterproof snow gloves or mittens
•Wool (and liner) socks
•Waterproof/windproof top and bottom outer shell
•Fleece insulation layer
•Get cold easy? layer over light/medium weight with
expedition weight layer
•Day backpack (sternum and waist strap recommended)
•Non-cotton top & bottom layers (capilene or polypro)
•Fleece or wool hat and headband (baseball cap for
climbing)
•2 liters of water
•Lunch, snacks and extra food
•Sunglasses & goggles
•Sunscreen
•Ibuprofen and additional items for emergency kit,
Emergency Bag, hand warmers, whistle, etc.
•Scraper for snow removal from bottom of skis or
skins
•Ski wax (+ glop for warm weather conditions)
•Replacement parts for your gear and repair tools,
Binding, buckle, duct tape, pole kit, leatherman, etc.
•Helmet to protect the goods!
•Map and Compass/Clinometer combo (measure
slope angle)
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